Syrian presidency to send new force to halt clashes in south

BBC News ^ | July 18, 2025 | Jaroslav Lukiv

[MinorityRepublican]

The Syrian presidency says it will deploy a new force to halt the deadly sectarian clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters in the south of the country.

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's office urged "all parties to exercise restraint", amid reports of renewed fighting near the city of Suweida on Friday.

Almost 600 people are reported to have been killed since the violence erupted on Sunday. Government troops deployed to the area were accused by residents of killing Druze civilians and carrying out extrajudicial executions.

Israel later struck targets in Syria to force the troops to withdraw from Suweida province. On Friday, the US ambassador to Turkey said that Israel and Syria had agreed a ceasefire.

In a post on X, ambassador Tom Barrack said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sharaa "have agreed to a ceasefire" embraced by Syria's neighbours Turkey and Jordan.

"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours," the envoy said.

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TOPICS: Syria
KEYWORDS: bedouinterrorists; bedouintrash

[TigersEye]

Very interesting developments. Thanks for posting this story.

[CharlesOConnell]

Now that they took off millions from al Jolani’s bounty, is he free to decapitate Christians, Druze and Alawites, with U.S.approval?

[DesertRhino]

Now that ISIS is in charge, they want everyone singing Kumbayah...

[Ronaldus Magnus III]

Jihadists “putting down their weapons” is about as likely as the Mullahs converting to Catholicism.

[VanShuyten]

I like how they use the word “President” for an Al-queda terrorist who just happened to overthrow Assad.

[nonliberal]

Sure glad Assad is out of there. /sarc